Sussex Police and DVSA Crack Down on Dangerous Vehicles With High-Tech Checks
Sharp Eyes on Sussex Roads
Road safety got a major boost after Sussex Police teamed up with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) for a series of surprise safety checks. On Monday 23 January, officers from the Roads Policing Unit swooped on Tangmere to inspect both heavy and light goods vehicles. Their mission? To make sure trucks were roadworthy, loads secured, and drivers fit behind the wheel.
New Mobile Inspection Unit Hits the Streets
The DVSA rolled out its shiny new Mobile Inspection Unit (MIU) — a portable enforcement station packed with cutting-edge gear. This tech marvel includes roller brake testers, under-vehicle cameras, shaker plates, and tachograph calibration tools. Deployed on any flat patch of land, it lets officials zone in on rule-breakers right where they are.
Shock Findings: Defects, Overloads and Dangerous Driving
- 36 defects found across 18 vehicles checked
- Tyre safety issues forced immediate tyre replacements
- Problems with load security and faulty indicators uncovered
- Serious brake defect discovered on one vehicle
- Two vehicles overloaded beyond legal limits
- Failure to use tachographs or driver cards recorded
Commercial Vehicle Unit officers slapped three drivers with fixed penalty notices during the operation. One 32-ton tipper got a prohibition notice for unsafe tyres and brakes—and was also referred to the DVLA over unpaid vehicle tax. Another scaffolding truck was fined for being overweight.
Experts Warn: Don’t Risk It
Sussex Police Chief Constable Jo Shiner said: “We see at first-hand the devastating consequences that insecure loads and poor vehicle conditions can lead to. Taking part in operations and education campaigns such as these form an essential part of our policing and we will continue to work with partner agencies including the DVSA to ensure drivers are using the roads safely.”
DVSA’s Director of Enforcement Marian Kitson added: “The Mobile Inspection Unit provides us with new opportunities to be even more agile and focused in our targeting of dangerous drivers and vehicles. Partnering with Sussex police enables us to protect local communities and keep roads safe.”
Roads Minister Richard Holden slammed unsafe operators, saying: “Operators and drivers with unroadworthy vehicles are a menace to the public. DVSA’s new Mobile Inspection Unit will be vital to help clamp down on dangerous vehicle operators who seek to avoid their responsibilities. Working in partnership will achieve positive outcomes and help keep our roads safe for all.”
Drivers caught short were also given vital advice on load security and legal weight limits — a reminder that simple walkaround checks can save lives.
